For decades, Ebony Magazine photographers were allowed exclusive access to record the most personal moments of some of the most important black athletes of all time.

You have seen these men in action on the field, court or canvas, but here you see them relaxing in their living rooms, kitchens or back yards.

During Black History Month, Sporting News, in conjunction with Johnson Publishing, Inc., is proud to bring you rarely seen images from Ebony Magazine’s “Ebony Collection” of Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson and an array of other black athletes and celebrities in the world of sport.

You have seen how these men competed. Come see how they lived.

-- Albert Dickson, Director of Photography

All “Ebony Collection” photos can be purchased directly from Johnson Publishing, Inc., by clicking on the link at the bottom of each image.

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Maryum

Muhammad Ali spends some quality time with his daughter, Maryum, in 1974. (Leroy Patton/EBONY Collection)

Muhammad Ali is photographed with Omar Bongo (left, formerly known as Albert Bongo), the President of Gabon, and Bongo's son, Alain, at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on October 21, 1977. (Moneta Sleet, Jr./EBONY Collection)

Muhammad Ali and prolific writer Alex Haley (Roots) appear at Ali's Semi-Open House in June of 1979 at his Freemont Park, Calif., estate. Guests attended the fundraising soiree before heading to an NAACP Legal Defense Fund buffet dinner and play. All the proceeds from Ali's event went to the NAACP. (Isaac Sutton/EBONY Collection)

Boxing great Muhammad Ali walks down a main street in Frankfurt, Germany, with boxing promoter and cornerman Angelo Dundee in September of 1966, while a local newsman attempts to get an interview with the prized fighter. (Isaac Sutton/EBONY Collection)

Muhammad Ali and "Smoking" Joe Frazier battle it out in the ring during their historic "Fight of the Year" on March 8, 1971 at New York's Madison Square Garden. The outcome resulted in Ali's first professional defeat, a close 15-round decision to Frazier. (Moneta Sleet, Jr./EBONY Collection)

Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali has tape removed from his hands by Wali Youngblood Muhammad, Soria Brown, and his trainer Drew Bundini Brown in July of 1978 after a session on the heavy bag. Ali retreated to his Deer Lake, Pa., training camp in preparation for his impending fight against Leon Spinks on September 15, 1978. (Vandell Cobb/EBONY Collection)